CD Reviews

Sparkling and sensitive energy

C. Hensing | Valby, Denmark | 08/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This solo studio recording is made in 1983 in New York. It thus is a rather early Petrucciani-recording (the artist being only 20 years old). Never the less, it gives us a chance to listen to a musician already developed far more than his young age should suggest.

The CD starts out with "Turn Around" - an Ornette Coleman composition which Petrucciani included in almost all his concerts for many years. From the basic, rhythmic structure of the melody, Petrucciani gradually develops and improvises over the theme - and in the end lands the tune right back on its feet again. This playing with melody and rhythm is hardly done better by any other piano-player than Petrucciani.

Next is one of the two Petrucciani-compositions on the record - "Three Forgotten Magic Words". The tune has this optimistic, sparkling atmosphere that is characteristic for the best of Petrucciani's tunes (e.g. "Looking Up") - it's hard not to be lifted to a higher and better mood by this tune

This is even truer for the other Petrucciani-composition: "100 Hearts" (the last tune on the record). Through its 12 minutes, Petrucciani takes you into a melodic universe of its own. Again you get this feeling of optimism and clearness - it's almost like your heart wants to sing and dance inside your breast. In my opinion this is very much what music should be about: bring you energy and happiness when listening to is - a thing Petrucciani was a master in doing already early in his career. This is definitely one of the 5 best Petrucciani-tunes ever - and main reason why I rate this recording with a handful of stars (instead of the 4 it would have got without it).

The other three tunes - "Silence", St. Thomas" and "Pot Pourri (A Medley)" - contains both quiet and fast melodies, all played with the usual sensitive energy that characterized Michael Petrucciani through his entire career."

Amazing

C. Hensing | 03/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Words cannot describe this album. This and "Love Supreme" are my all time favorites (so far) when it comes to Jazz. Absolutely beautiful."